The benefits and rewards of owning leather furniture are numerous. Leather upholstery is natural, durable, and looks good as the focal point of any room. The leather is also one of the few materials which actually looks better with age as it develops an attractive sheen with frequent use. Leather furnishings need some tender care over the course of their lifetime to ensure they always look their best.
This article explains the basics of leather cleaning and how to clean leather upholstery.
It’s tempting to tackle the leather cleaning process with your usual household products and tools, but these can often damage your leather furniture, causing cracks and bobbles. Check the label of any product you use to ensure that it is suitable for leather care.
Leather Sofa Care
As a material, leather naturally produces oils to coat and protect its surface. Without this oily layer, the leather would age quickly and start to crack when it dries.
In the course of its lifetime, leather furniture will lose its natural oil. It is up to the owner to replicate the effect with leather care products, like specialist preservatives and conditioners.
To keep your leather items in pristine condition, they should be positioned out of direct sunlight and at least 2 feet away from a heat source like the radiator or fireplace. Both heat and sunshine will dry out the leather, causing it to crack and discolour
Apply a leather conditioner. This is a vital part of any leather sofa cleaning routine. As with all household chemicals remember to check the label before use, test on a discrete part of the item for any discolouration, and then apply liberally in a well-ventilated room, using the appropriate protection for your hands and face.
Leather Sofa Cleaning: What to do in the Event of Spillages
1) Blot, don’t wipe
This is the most important rule when anything – drink, food, and ink – gets spilt onto leather. Wiping will only serve to discolour or permanently stain the leather. Instead, carefully blot off with a damp cloth.
2) Use specialised leather cleaner
This is a good idea if the spill is serious. Be sure to follow the directions on the label.
3) Apply leather preservative
Treat the affected area to complete the process.
There you have it, it’s easy to give your leather sofas and chairs some tender care and ensure they age with beauty!
Key Steps:
For spillages: Blot with a damp cloth – don’t wipe
Use specialised leather care products for the best results